Statutory Authority: 29 Delaware Code, Section 8103(8) (29 Del.C. 8103(8))
Forest Service Regulations for State Forests
The Delaware Department of Agriculture (DDA) Forest Service administers public lands at Blackbird State Forest, Taber State Forest, and Redden State Forest. In order to conserve, protect, and manage these lands for the benefit of all citizens, new Rules and Regulations will be introduced on these lands, pursuant to 29 Del.C. §8103(8). The DDA Forest Service will hold a public hearing on Friday, September 25, 1998, at 7:00 p.m. at Delaware Department of Agriculture Conference Center, 2320 S. DuPont Highway, Dover, Delaware, to introduce these Rules and Regulations and solicit public comments. Additionally, the public is welcome to provide comments prior to the September 25 hearing. Further information concerning these Rules and Regulations is available by contacting Mike Brown at 800-282-8685 (in-state only) or (302) 739-4811.
The State Forests of Delaware are open to the public for all legal forms of recreation and enjoyment. In order that these publicly owned lands be conserved, protected, and maintained for the benefit of all, the following RULES AND REGULATIONS will be observed.
A. General Rules and Regulations
1. No living trees, shrubs, or other vegetation may be cut, felled, uprooted, removed, or otherwise injured or destroyed, unless written permission has first been obtained from the forest officer in charge.
2. Fires are prohibited for any purpose on State Forest lands other than in designated areas. Written permission must be obtained in advance for fires on State Forest lands outside of designated areas. Any such authorized fire must, at all times, be under the direct supervision and care of a competent adult, and must be thoroughly extinguished before the fire site is abandoned.
3. The dumping or depositing of rubbish, trash, household items, or other debris, and the placing of advertisement signs within State Forests are prohibited.
4. For the sake of sanitation and attractiveness, persons using public camp and picnic sites are required to deposit all waste paper, tin cans and other refuse in the containers, if provided. Where containers are not provided, users must properly dispose of all refuse off State Forest lands.
5. Writing upon, mutilating, carving, and otherwise defacing trees, buildings, structures, signs, and official notices is prohibited.
6. All State Forest boundaries are well-marked with metal signs, yellow paint on boundary line trees, brushed-out paths or with a combination of all three features. Therefore, boundary lines should be easy to identify. State Forest visitors should avoid trespass or encroachment upon adjoining private lands by staying within boundaries of State Forest lands.
7. Many roads have been closed to vehicular travel to improve the quality of recreation and to reduce littering. These roads and trails are open to pedestrian and non-vehicular travel only. In addition, vehicle use of tax ditches is unlawful. Furthermore, no off-highway vehicles or all-terrain vehicles, either registered or non-registered, are permitted. The only exception to this rule applies to those off-highway vehicles owned, operated, and/or authorized by the Delaware Department of Agriculture Forest Service. Violators will be prosecuted for trespassing.
8. With the exception of animals permitted under lawful hunting regulations, all animals must be under the continuous control of the owner(s) unless otherwise authorized in writing by the Forestry Administrator. All dogs must be leashed, unless covered by the exception above. State Forest visitors are responsible for the conduct and any damages, either personal or property, caused by their animals.
9. Entry to State Forest lands is prohibited from sunset to sunrise, except for lawful hunting, permitted camping, permitted Redden Lodge use, or as otherwise permitted in writing by the Delaware Department of Agriculture Forest Service.
10. Fishing on state forest lands is limited to catch and release only.
B. Camping Rules and Regulations
1. A forest use permit is required for all camping on State Forest lands. Camping is free of charge, year round, restricted to map-designated campsites. Permits are available at the State Forest office during office hours or from the information box.
2. Campsites are on a first-come/ first serve basis. Reservations may be accepted for special occasions.
3. Campsites are of a primitive type, and are to be used ONLY for tent, van or pickup campers. Travel trailers and /or self-propelled motor homes are excluded due to access and parking limitations.
4. There are a limited number of campsites, each is large enough to accommodate large families. These are equipped with tables, fire pits, charcoal grills and a trash barrel. Campsites are limited to a maximum number of 25 people per site, with a maximum stay of three nights per week.
5. Camping is at your own risk. There is no after-hours, nighttime or weekend security. Law enforcement is provided by the Delaware State Police should the need arise.
6. Common sense security is your responsibility at all times. The forest is a public use area without 24-hour protection.
7. State forests are “multiple-use facilities”, which means other activities will continue while you camp. These activities include: hunting, picnicking, hiking, orienteering, nature study, horseback riding, firewood cutting (by permit only), and timber harvesting. The DDA Forest Service reserves the right to limit or deny permits during times of conflicting use.
8. Firewood for camp use is available at the campsites. If more firewood is needed, it may be gathered locally from dead and downed trees. No standing trees or shrubs are to be cut. Using firewood located at the office complex is prohibited. Campfires are to be in established fire rings only.
9. Pets are permitted, but must be under control or leashed.
10. Campsites are to be left clean for the next users, and all fires are to be extinguished before departing from the area.
C. Hunting Rules and Regulations
1. State Forests are year-round multiple use areas. Hunters share the use of State Forest lands with other public users such as hikers, campers, horseback riders, firewood cutters, and loggers.
2. No special permits are required to hunt on State Forest lands, except as specified in the DNREC, Division of Fish and Wildlife annual hunting manual. Properly licensed hunters may hunt during any open season except on areas designated, such as those marked with Wildlife Sanctuary, NO HUNTING, or Safety Zone signs.
3. Parking is available on all State Forest tracts.
4. No permanent deer stands, platforms, ladders, or blinds may be constructed. No screw-in tree steps, spikes, screws, or nails are allowed.
5. Deer drives by any person or persons are not permitted on any State Forest land at any time.
6. Small game hunting is closed on State Forest lands during firearm deer seasons.
7. The DDA Forest Service reserves the right to close to hunting specific State Forest tracts during specific hunting seasons. Therefore, it is important to consult the current hunting guide for a listing of these closures.
8. Trapping rights may be leased for State Forest lands. No other trapping is permitted on State Forest lands.
9. Target shooting is prohibited. Firearms are allowed for legal hunting only, and are prohibited on State Forest lands from March 1 through August 31.
10. Waterfowl hunting is not permitted on State Forest land or waters.
11. The following hunting restrictions apply to several tracts of Blackbird State Forest. Maps delineating these areas are available at Blackbird State Forest headquarters or by calling (302)653-6505.
a. All deer hunting is limited to numbered stands.
b. For shotgun season stands will be chosen in a pre-season lottery. To apply for a stand during the shotgun season fill out the application in the Delaware Hunting and Trapping Guide. For leftover stands there will be a daily lottery held at Blackbird State Forest Headquarters, located on the Tybout tract on Blackbird Forest Rd. (Rd. 471), 1 ½ hours before legal hunting time.
c. For Muzzleloader season there will be a daily lottery held at Blackbird State Forest Headquarters, located on the Tybout tract on Blackbird Forest Rd. (Rd. 471), 1 ½ hours before legal hunting time.
d. All hunters on these tracts, during shotgun and muzzleloader season, must hunt from the stand only, as walk around hunting is not permitted.
e. During Archery season bowhunters must be within 50 yards of their designated stand.
f. Stands will be available during Archery season on a first come first serve basis.
g. No more than one hunter may hunt from a stand at any one time.
12. These special hunting restrictions apply to the Tybout tract of Blackbird State forest:
a. Squirrel hunting is not allowed with rifle or muzzleloading rifle, shotgun squirrel hunting is permitted.
b. Dove hunting is prohibited prior to December 15 of each season.
c. Dog training is prohibited at all times.
D. Forest Use Permits
Forest use permits on State Forests are issued on a first-come first-served basis and are required for camping, firewood cutting, lodge rental (Redden State Forest), organized special events, and pavilion reservation (Blackbird State Forest only). Upon arrival at the facility users are required to fill out a Forest Use Permit (Doc. No. 65-04-02/87/10/03). Under special circumstances facilities may be applied for in advance.
Items to be filled out by all applicants include:
1. - Date of application
2. - Time of application submission
3. - Applicants’ name
4. - Applicants’ address, city, state, zip code
Camping:
1. - Individual or group permit
2. - Number of persons camping
3. - The name of organization (if applicable)
4. - Vehicle make and model & color
5. - Permit effective date & termination date
6. - Applicants’ signature
Group Users/Special Events:
1. - The name of the person in charge
2. - The name of organization
3. - Number in the group
4. - Permit effective date
5. - Permit termination date
6. - Facility used:
a. Camping
b. Picnic shelter
c. Nature study area
d. Other
7. - Applicants’ signature
Firewood Permits:
Firewood permits are required to cut firewood on State Forest lands and are issued at the discretion of the State Forest staff. When available, these permits are issued on a first come first serve basis. There is a fee of $20 for firewood permits, which allows the holder to cut two standard pickup loads of firewood. No trees are to be felled; only downed wood may be cut. Designated firewood cutting areas will be delineated by State Forest employees and posted as such.
DELAWARE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
FOREST SERVICE
REDDEN STATE FOREST LODGE
APPLICATION FOR RENTAL
DATE APPLICATION SENT TO RENTER:
Name: SS#
(For refund purposes only)
Name of Group/Organization: ________________________
Date(s) requested: Alternate Date(s)
Type Use:___ Daily ____ Evening ____Weekend
Check in time: Check out time:
Organization/Group:
Street Address
City, State & Zip Code
Daytime phone :( ) Evening phone: ( )
Purpose for Lodge use:
Number of attending: Age ranges of attendees:
At the sole discretion of the Delaware Department of Agriculture, a violation of any Redden State Forest Lodge rules could result in the forfeiture of any fee and removal from the premises.
I certify that I have read the attached rules and regulations, and assume full responsibility for all activities at the Lodge during the rental period. Furthermore, I agree to hold the Delaware Department of Agriculture harmless from liability for any and all damage to property or injury to any person that may occur during the Lodge rental.
Signature of Person Responsible Date
DEPARTMENT USE ONLY
Reservation Deposit Date Received ________ Ck/Cash _____ Ck# _____
Security-Damage Deposit Date Received _____ Ck/Cash _____ Ck # _____
Recieved by: ______________ PSD _____ Approved by: _____________
Security-Damage Deposit:
Invoice/Refund # _____ Itemized List Date: _____ Date Sent: ______
Inv. Refund Amt. _____ List Prepared by: _____________________
DELAWARE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
FOREST SERVICE
REDDEN STATE FOREST LODGE
RULES AND REGULATIONS
THE DDA FOREST SERVICE REQUIRES THAT ALL RENTERS ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR LEAVING THIS FACILITY IN THE SAME CLEAN AND TIDY CONDITION AS IT WAS WHEN THE RENTER ARRIVED. RULES AND REGULATIONS COVERING THESE REQUIREMENTS ARE LISTED BELOW. IN ADDITION, ALL RENTERS MUST PROVIDE A SECURITY DEPOSIT THAT WILL BE HELD UNTIL A POST-RENTAL INSPECTION HAS BEEN COMPLETED.
1. The individual or group who reserves the Lodge will be held responsible for all cleaning and tidiness requirements and damages to the Lodge that occur during their rental period. Cleaning and tidiness requirements include but are not limited to: cleaning up spills and dirt as they occur or prior to departure; returning folding tables and chairs to their original location; and depositing all trash in the outside garbage cans provided. In addition, furniture and fixtures are not to be moved.
During the first working day following rental, the Assistant Forest Manager will itemize all cleaning-tidiness problems and damages, and an itemized bill will be sent to the renter. By signing the attached agreement, the individual responsible for the group agrees to reimburse the Delaware Department of Agriculture (DDA) Forest Service for all cleaning-tidiness and/or repair expenses itemized from their rental, within thirty days of their receipt of a bill.
2. A security deposit equal to 50% of the rental charge is required at the time of reservation, along with the reservation deposit of 50%, according to the Lodge Rental Fees attached. The remaining rental charge or full rental use charges must be paid before renter occupancy. The security deposit will be held until a post-rental inspection has been completed. If lodge is cleaned, tidied, and no damages occur, the security-damage deposit will be refunded in full. If cleaning or tidiness requirements are NOT met or damages occur, an itemized list will be prepared and sent to the renter with any refund or a bill to cover additional charges.
3. No person shall deposit rubbish, garbage, refuse, trash or other debris of any kind on any land administered by the DDA Forest Service.
4. Maximum Lodge capacity is 45 persons.
5. The organization must provide at least two adult supervisors per group, and a minimum of one adult supervisor per ten youths. Youth are defined as children under 18 years of age.
6. The use or possession of illegal drugs is strictly prohibited. Additionally, alcoholic beverages are prohibited (unless approved in writing by the DDA Forest Service). Smoking and the use of other tobacco products is prohibited inside the Lodge.
7. Unauthorized heating equipment is prohibited in the Lodge. The fire alarm system is designed for the protection of all those who use the Lodge and the structure itself. Any misuse or intentional activation of this and other alarms is strictly prohibited and legal action(s) will be taken, pursuant to Delaware Code.
8. The use or possession of firearms or other weapons (except as permitted for legal hunting outside the safety zone, or as approved in writing by the DDA Forest Service), etc., is strictly prohibited.
9. No outside fires may be started at any time in the vicinity of the Lodge, except in the permanent grills installed on site, or as approved in writing by the DDA Forest Service.
10. Service eye dogs are permitted. No other pets shall be permitted within or near the Lodge by any user group.
11. An adequate supply of firewood will be provided. No charcoal, wax logs, or other materials shall be used in the fireplaces.
12. No sleeping facilities are provided at the Lodge. There are cooking facilities and tables and chairs for eating. There are no pots, pans, dishes, or serving articles.
13. The telephones at the Lodge are provided for emergencies, local calls, and credit card or collect long distance calls. The DDA Forest Service requests that the phones only be used by adults, except in emergencies. You must dial “9" before placing any call. The number for both Lodge phones is (302) 856-5939, and incoming calls can be received. Please remember these telephones are only to be used when necessary and are not for social calls. It is the responsibility of the applicant to honor these restrictions and inform all lodge users of the telephone restrictions. If the telephone restrictions are not honored, the Department of Agriculture Forest Service reserves the right to remove the telephones at any time.
DELAWARE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
FOREST SERVICE
REDDEN STATE FOREST LODGE RENTAL FEES
Reservations, Deposits, and Cancellations
! Reservations shall be made on a “first-come, first-served” basis. To secure a reservation, a completed application and one-half of the Lodge rental fee must be received at least 120 days prior to the desired reservation date. All checks should be made payable to Department of Agriculture.
! The balance of the user fee shall be paid prior to check-in time. Additionally, a security deposit in the amount of one-half of the Lodge rental fee is required prior to check-in time. Checks should be made out to: Department of Agriculture
! Cancellation policy: Reservations must be canceled at least fifteen (15) working days prior to the arrival date. If this cancellation policy is not followed, the reservation deposit (one-half of the user fee) will be forfeited. The security-damage deposit will be refunded for all cancellations.
Types of Use
! Daily 8:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
! Evening 4 p.m. - 10 p.m.
! Weekend Friday 4 p.m. - Sunday 10 p.m.
Lodge Rental Fees
Lodge user fees shall be as follows:
May 15 to September 30
$50 Daily Use
$25 Evening Use
$150 Weekend Use
October 1 to May 14 (Increased fees due to heating expenses)
$60 Daily Use
$30 Evening Use
$175 Weekend Use
.
Payments will be mailed to:
Redden State Forest
RD 4, Box 354
Georgetown, DE 19947
(302)856-2893
weekdays 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.